Biological sciences

Fungal resistance to plant antibiotics as a mechanism of pathogenesis

Article Abstract:

A study has been conducted to investigate the mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial compounds in phytopathogenic fungi and to examine the evidence for and against a role for antifungal compounds in plant defense. It has been found that secondary metabolites and some saponins are stored in plant cells as inactive precursors but are readily converted into biologically active antibiotics by plant enzymes in response to pathogenic attack. Findings have revealed that saponins function as preformed antifungal phytoprotectants.

Viruses in the mammalian male genital tract and their effects on the reproductive system

Article Abstract:

This review addresses the presence of viruses in human and animal reproductive tracts and semen and their implications to the reproductive endocrinology. The virus distribution in tissues (testis, prostate) and fluids (semen), their site of action, and functional consequences of infection and sexual transmission of viruses in humans and animals are presented.